Peach tree named ‘Red Princess’

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of peach tree,  Prunus persica , broadly characterized by a medium size, moderately vigorous, hardy, self-fertile, productive and regular bearing tree. The variety blooms during the mid season and requires about 600 chilling hours. The fruit matures under the ecological conditions described in late June, with first picking on Jun. 27, 2012. The fruit is uniformly large in size, acidic with traditional peach flavor, nearly globose in shape, clingstone in type, firm in texture, yellow in flesh color, virtually full red in skin color, and has a sweet kernel.

Botanical classification: Prunus persica.

Variety denomination: ‘RED PRINCESS’.

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY

In a continuing effort to improve the quality of shipping fruits, I, theinventor, typically hybridize a large number of peach, nectarine, plum,apricot, and cherry seedlings each year. I also grow a smaller number ofopen pollinated seeds of each of these fruits, usually to capturerecessive traits. The present invention relates to a new and distinctvariety of peach tree, which has been denominated varietally as ‘RedPrincess’.

In 2004 I made a first generation hybridization using ‘Diamond Ray’(U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,948) nectarine as the selected seed parent and anunnamed peach as the selected pollen parent. The fruit of this cross wasgathered that summer, and the seeds were removed, cracked, stratified,germinated, and grown as seedlings on their own root in my greenhousefacility. Upon reaching dormancy I transplanted them to a cultivatedarea of my experimental orchard located near Le Grand, Calif., in MercedCounty (San Joaquin Valley). During the fruit evaluation season of 2008I selected the present variety as a single tree from the group ofseedlings described above. Subsequent to origination of the presentvariety of peach tree, I asexually reproduced it by budding and graftingin the experimental orchard described above, and such reproduction oftree and fruit characteristics were true to the original tree in allrespects. The reproduction of the variety included the use of‘Nemaguard’ (unpatented) rootstock upon which the present variety wascompatible and true to type.

While the present variety is similar to its seed parent, ‘Diamond Ray’,in several aspects, such as producing fruit that is full red in skincolor, yellow in flesh color, and firm in texture, it is quitedistinguished from it by being a peach instead of nectarine.

While the present variety is similar to its unnamed pollen parent inseveral aspects, such as producing peaches that are nearly full red inskin color, yellow in flesh color, and firm in texture, it is quitedistinguished therefrom by requiring a higher amount of chill portionsand by producing peaches that are much larger in size and that matureabout 50 days later.

The present variety is most similar to ‘Bright Princess’ (U.S. PlantPat. No. 14,695) peach by being self-fruitful, having large blossoms,having reniform leaf glands, and producing an abundance of yellow fleshpeaches that are firm, that are nearly full red in skin color, and thathave a sweet kernel, but is distinguished therefrom by requiring morechilling hours, by blooming later in the season, and by producing fruitthat is somewhat larger in size, clingstone rather than freestone intype, and that matures about ten days later.

SUMMARY OF VARIETY

In summary, the present variety is characterized by a medium size,moderately vigorous, hardy, self-fertile, productive and regular bearingtree. The variety blooms during the mid season and requires about 600chilling hours. The fruit matures under the ecological conditionsdescribed in late June, with first picking on Jun. 27, 2012. The fruitis uniformly large in size, acidic with traditional peach flavor, nearlyglobose in shape, clingstone in type, firm in texture, yellow in fleshcolor, virtually full red in skin color, and has a sweet kernel.

DRAWING

The accompanying photograph consists of four whole fruits positioned todisplay the characteristics of the skin color and form, one sliced fruitto reveal the flesh and stone, two insets to reveal buds and blossoms,typical leaves, and a tip shoot.

POMOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Referring now more specifically to the pomological characteristics ofthis new and distinct variety of peach tree, the following has beenobserved under the ecological conditions prevailing near Le Grand,Merced County (San Joaquin Valley), Calif., and was developed at thestate of firm ripe on Jul. 2, 2012, on the original tree during itseighth growing season. The blossom and flower descriptions were made theprevious blooming season. All major color code designations are byreference to the Inter-Society Color Council, National Bureau ofStandards. Common color names are also used occasionally.

PARENTAGE

-   Seed parent: ‘Diamond Ray’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,948).-   Pollen parent: Unnamed peach.

TREE

-   Size: Medium, reaching and maintaining a height of 8′ [2.44 m.] and    a spread of 6′ [1.83 m.] after eight growing seasons utilizing    typical dormant pruning.-   Vigor: Medium vigor, responding typically to irrigation and    fertilization. The variety grows about 3′ [0.91 m.] of surplus    top-growth during the spring and summer. The plant should be grown    on a standard commercial rootstock for production purposes.-   Growth: Spreading and dense.-   Form: Pruned to a vase form.-   Hardiness: Hardy with respect to central California winters.-   Chilling requirement: About 600 hours.-   Heat tolerance: Observed to perform adequately in typical central    California climatic conditions, which typically include extended    periods of heat.-   Drought tolerance: Variety is developed for commercial orchards and    requires regular irrigation.-   Production: Productive, thinning usually necessary.-   Fertility: Self-fertile.-   Bearing: Regular bearer, with no crop failures observed.-   Trunk:    -   -   Size.—Medium, reaching a maximum diameter of 3¾″ [95.3 mm.]            after the eighth growing season.        -   Texture.—Medium, shaggy.        -   Bark color.—A Moderate yellowish brown [77. m.yBr] and            Brownish gray [64. brGy] variegation with Strong brown [55.            s.Br] crevices present.        -   Lenticels.—Approximate Number Per Square Inch: 6. Color:            Brownish orange [54. brO]. Average Size: ¼″ [6.4 mm.] in            length, 1/16″ [1.6 mm.] in diameter. Shape: Eye-shaped,            elongated.-   Branches:    -   -   Size.—Diameter of limb is 2¼″ [57.2 mm.] measured 12″ above            the crotch, 1¾″ [44.5 mm.] measured 12″ above the first            fork.        -   Texture.—Smooth on first and second year wood, increasing            roughness with age.        -   Color.—1st Year Wood Topside: Grayish red [19. gy.R]. 1st            Year Wood Underside: Brilliant yellow green [116. brill.YG].            2nd Year Wood: Grayish brown [61. gy.Br]. 3rd Year Wood: A            Grayish brown [61. gy.Br] and Moderate brown [58. m.Br]            variegation.        -   Lenticels.—Number Per Square Inch: More than 60 on second            year wood. Color: Strong yellowish brown [74. s.yBr].            Average Size: 1/16″ [1.6 mm.] in length, 1/64″ [0.4 mm.] in            diameter. Shape: Elongated, eye-shaped.-   Leaves:    -   -   Size.—Large. Average Length: 6⅛″ [155.6 mm.]. Average Width:            1⅝″ [41.3 mm.].        -   Arrangement.—Alternate.        -   Thickness.—Medium.        -   Form.—Elliptical.        -   Apex.—Acuminate.        -   Base.—Rounded to acute with an average angle of 90 degrees.        -   Surface.—Smooth.        -   Color.—Dorsal Surface: Moderate olive green [125. m.OlG].            Ventral Surface: Moderate yellow green [120. m.YG].        -   Margin.—Finely serrate.        -   Venation.—Pinnately net veined.        -   Petiole.—Average Length: 7/16″ [11.1 mm.]. Average            Thickness: 1/16″ [1.6 mm.]. Color: Very yellow green [115.            v.YG].        -   Stipules.—Number: 2 per leaf, up to 6 per growing tip.            Average Length: 7/16″ [11.1 mm.]. Color: Very yellow green            [115. v.YG] becoming Strong reddish brown [40. s.rBr] with            age.        -   Glands.—Number: Mostly 2 to 6 per leaf. Position:            Alternately positioned on the petiole and base of blade.            Size: Medium. Form: Reniform. Color: Brilliant yellow green            [116. brill.YG] becoming Deep reddish brown [41. deep rBr]            in the center with age.        -   Leaf buds.—Pointed, medium.-   Flower buds:    -   -   Hardiness.—Hardy, with respect to central California            winters.        -   Diameter.—Typically 5/16″ [7.9 mm.] 1 week before bloom.        -   Length.—Typically ⅝″ [15.9 mm.] 1 week before bloom.        -   Form.—Not appressed.        -   Surface.—Pubescent.        -   Tip color.—Light purplish pink [249. l.pPk].-   Flowers: Perfect, complete, perigynous, usually a single pistil,    typically thirty or more stamens, five sepal and petal locations    alternately positioned.    -   -   Type.—Showy, large.        -   Average flower diameter.—2″ [50.8 mm.].        -   Average flower depth.— 7/16″ [11.1 mm.] when fully open.        -   Number of petals.—Usually five, extra petal fragments            commonly occur, double blossoms rarely observed.        -   Petal shape.—Circular to oval.        -   Petal margin.—Entire, somewhat wavy, occasional notches.        -   Average petal diameter.—¾″ [19.1 mm.].        -   Average petal length.— 13/16″ [20.6 mm.].        -   Petal apex.—Rounded.        -   Petal base.—Rounded to somewhat truncate.        -   Petal color.—Pinkish white [9. pkWhite] toward the apex,            Light purplish pink [249. l.pPk] toward the base.        -   Anther color.—Very reddish orange [34. v.rO] over a Light            yellow [86. l.Y] center at bloom onset.        -   Stigma color.—Pale yellow green [121. p.YG].        -   Sepal color.—Dark purplish red [259. d.pR] on the outer            surface. The inner surface is a somewhat translucent Pinkish            white [9. pk White] with both Grayish purplish red [262.            gy.pR] and Vivid yellow green [115. v.YG] areas visible.        -   Sepal apex.—Rounded to elliptical to match the length and            width.        -   Sepal margin.—Fairly smooth.        -   Sepal outer surface.—Pubescent.        -   Sepal length.—¼″ [6.4 mm.].        -   Sepal width.— 3/16″ [4.8 mm.].        -   Average pistil length.—⅞″ [22.2 mm.].        -   Average stamen length.— 9/16″ [14.3 mm.].        -   Fragrance.—Moderate.        -   Blooming period.—Medium, 5 days after ‘Bright Princess’            (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 14,695) peach.        -   Onset of bloom.—One percent on Feb. 27, 2012.        -   Date of full bloom.—Mar. 7, 2012.        -   Duration of bloom.—One to two weeks, dependent on ambient            temperature.        -   Number per cluster.—1 to 3 with single flowers most common.

FRUIT

-   Maturity when described: Firm ripe, Jul. 2, 2012.-   Date of first picking: Jun. 27, 2012.-   Date of last picking: Jul. 4, 2012.-   Size: Uniform, large.    -   -   Average diameter axially.—2 15/16″ [74.6 mm.].        -   Average diameter across suture plane.—3 3/16″ [80.9 mm.].        -   Average diameter across cheek plane.—3 1/16″ [77.8 mm.].        -   Typical weight.—9.8 ounces [278 grams].-   Form: Uniform, globose, symmetrical.    -   -   Longitudinal section form.—Round to elliptical.        -   Axial view.—Round.-   Suture: Extends from the base to somewhat beyond the pistil point.    -   -   Near the base.—A shallow sharp groove.        -   Along the side.—A shallow trough.        -   Near the apex.—A shallow groove.-   Ventral surface: Rounded, slightly buldged along the suture, lipped    stronger toward the apex.-   Lips: Slightly unequal.-   Cavity: Flaring, elongated in the suture plane, suture showing on    both sides, Brilliant yellow [83. brill.Y] stem markings typical.    Depth.—¾″ [19.1 mm.]. Breadth.—1⅛″ [28.6 mm.].-   Base: Truncate.-   Apex: Rounded.-   Pistil point: An inconspicuous dot, negligible in length, usually    depressed within the suture, a few located on a slight nose.-   Stem: Medium.    -   -   Average length.—⅜″ [9.5 mm.].        -   Average width.— 3/16″ [4.8 mm.].-   Skin:    -   -   Thickness.—Medium.        -   Surface.—Pubescent.        -   Tenacity.—Tenacious to the flesh.        -   Astringency.—Very slight.        -   Tendency to crack.—None observed in dry season.        -   Color.—Very dark red [17. v.d.R] mottled over a Moderate red            [15. m.R] background.        -   Down.—Moderate, short, does not roll up when rubbed.-   Flesh:    -   -   Color.—Brilliant yellow [83. brill.Y] with very minor Dark            red [16. d.R] bleeding toward the skin and stone.        -   Surface of pit cavity.—Light yellow [86. l.Y] with some            Strong red [12. s.R] broken fibers when twisted from stone.        -   Amygdalin.—Moderate.        -   Juice.—Abundant, rich.        -   Texture.—Firm, tough, melting.        -   Fibers.—Abundant, fine.        -   Ripens.—Fairly even, somewhat earlier toward the apex.        -   Flavor.—Peach flavor, acidic and sweet, typically 14 brix.        -   Aroma.—Moderate.        -   Eating quality.—Very good.

STONE

-   Type: Clingstone.-   Form: Oval.-   Hilum: Narrow.-   Base: Slightly obligue, rounded.-   Apex: Acuminate.-   Sides: Equal.-   Surface: Irregularly furrowed near the apex, pitted toward the base.-   Ridges: Jagged.-   External color: Deep yellowish brown [75. deep yBr].-   Pit wall color when cracked: Light yellowish brown [76. l.yBr].-   Cavity surface color: Moderate brown [58. m.Br] to Light yellowish    brown [76. l.yBr].-   Average pit wall thickness: 5/16″ [7.9 mm.].-   Average width: 1¼″ [31.8 mm.].-   Average length: 1 11/16″ [42.9 mm.].-   Average breadth: 1⅛″ [28.6 mm.].-   Tendency To split: Slight.-   Kernel:    -   -   Form.—Oval.        -   Skin color.—Light yellow [86. l.Y] when first removed.        -   Pellicle color.—Grayish yellow [90. gy.Y].        -   Vein color.—Moderate yellow [87. m.Y].        -   Taste.—Sweet.        -   Viable.—Yes.        -   Average width.— 5/16″ [7.9 mm.].        -   Average length.—⅞″ [22.2 mm.].        -   Amygdalin.—Scant.

USE

-   Market: Fresh market and long distance shipping.-   Keeping quality: Good, fruit quality observed to remain in good    condition after 17 days in standard cold room at 36° Fahrenheit [2°    Celsius].-   Shipping quality: Good.-   Resistance to insects: No unusual susceptibilities noted.-   Resistance to diseases: No unusual susceptibilities noted.

OTHER NOTES

Although the new variety of peach tree possesses the describedcharacteristics under the ecological conditions at Le Grand, Calif., inthe central part of the San Joaquin Valley, it is to be expected thatvariations in these characteristics may occur when farmed in areas withdifferent climatic conditions, different soil types, and/or varyingcultural practices.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of peach tree, substantially asillustrated and described, that is most similar to ‘Bright Princess’(U.S. Plant Pat. No. 14,695) peach by being self-fruitful, having largeblossoms, having reniform leaf glands, and producing an abundance ofyellow flesh peaches that are firm, that are nearly full red in skincolor, and that have a sweet kernel, but is distinguished therefrom byrequiring more chilling hours, by blooming later in the season, and byproducing fruit that is somewhat larger in size, clingstone rather thanfreestone in type, and that matures about ten days later.